NHS: The Family They Never Had

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “good morning.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of belonging. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James reflects, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His observation encapsulates the heart of a programme that strives to transform how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Underlying these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in providing the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in systemic approach. At its core, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the security of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and securing executive backing. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve established a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been redesigned to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of family resources. Concerns like transportation costs, identification documents, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has “changed” his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enriches the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It exists as a bold declaration that institutions can adapt to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a support system that supports their growth.